Workers at the Alamo Fireworks stand on Highway 87 said police used to watch for people who transported fireworks across the city line; a new law allows the transportation of packaged fireworks through the city. less

Workers at the Alamo Fireworks stand on Highway 87 said police used to watch for people who transported fireworks across the city line; a new law allows the transportation of packaged fireworks through the ... more

Photo: Sarah L. Tressler / San Antonio Express-News

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Law enforcement urges caution on Fourth

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As San Antonio prepares to celebrate the Fourth of July Thursday, local officials are urging residents to play it safe with fireworks.

With dry, windy conditions in the forecast and a nagging drought that continues to plague the area, fire officials and Bexar County Sheriff Susan Pamerleau on Wednesday urged residents to forego at-home fireworks in favor of professional pyrotechnic displays.

Using and purchasing fireworks in San Antonio is a Class C misdemeanor. But the use of fireworks in unincorporated areas of Bexar County is allowed.

A new state law that went into effect June 14 makes it easier for people to transport fireworks through the San Antonio city limits. Once purchased, the fireworks must remain in closed packages and stored in the trunk, a locked glove box or in the bed of a pickup.

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The change is one that workers at fireworks stand have noticed this week.

“In previous years, we normally have a spotter,” said Lynn Saunders, who runs one of the Alamo Fireworks stands along Highway 87 just outside Loop 410.

“There's no spotter this year,” Saunders said, surveying the stretch of road where she said San Antonio police officers would wait for fireworks patrons to cross the city line. “I would tell my customers not to go into San Antonio city limits, because they would watch to see if they got past that line.”

Emerald Flores, an account executive with Alamo Fireworks, said the previous restriction was a deterrent for would-be fireworks fans.

“People would get discouraged to purchase — or even pull into the parking lot — when you have a police officer sitting right outside and you know they're taking off after people,” Flores said.

Sheriff Susan Pamerleau issued a stern reminder to those who will be shooting off pyrotechnics near their homes.

Assistant Chief Fire Marshal Earl Crayton noted that many fireworks injuries are the result of “sparklers,” which can burn between 1,800 and 2,000 degrees.

If you do plan on using personal fireworks in the unincorporated areas of Bexar County, Roberts had some advice.

“Please use common sense. Be aware of your surroundings. Make sure that you have a garden hose or water supply available so that if you do start some type of fire, you can put it out quickly,” he advised. “Do not let children discharge fireworks unsupervised. Follow the instructions on the fireworks packaging. Only discharge one firework at a time.”

Roberts also urged folks to not shoot fireworks into the air if they can see the tops of trees moving.

“That indicates there's winds, and if there's winds, the firework goes up, and you can't tell where it's going to go,” Roberts said. “Prepare your property by wetting the ground down before you start discharging fireworks.”

To report unauthorized fireworks use in the city limits, call the SAFD's fireworks hotline at 210-207-0202.